Lisa Beason

How did your journey with breast cancer begin? How were you diagnosed?

I felt the best I had ever felt at 45 years old. I had some other medical issues prior and finally felt good. I even told a physician of mine how good I felt – I was active, getting out and doing things, didn’t feel tired and just all around felt good. I went for my annual mammogram (as I always do faithfully). Interesting how I almost put it off. My dad passed away a month before my diagnosis. I was traveling and had taken time off work for that. I just got “busy” and said, “Oh, I can do this later in the year.” But for some reason I thought, I better not. I am an organized person and thought if I put off and changed the date, I would be off track for future annual screenings. So, I did cancel that first appointment but then rescheduled two weeks after. Thank goodness I did. By the next day I got that dreaded call “we have the results of your mammogram.” I just knew it – I have cancer. More tests were done and then that dreaded biopsy. When they did the ultrasound, it was very questionable as to whether or not to do the biopsy. Again, thank goodness a smart decision was made to do the biopsy. Thought it was just fatty tissue since I had a huge weight loss few years before. Hearing those words “you have cancer” changed my life. I guess I went into my “business mode” and said “Ok, what do I do now?” It all happened so fast. Within two weeks I was scheduled for surgery, and my plan for this journey was on its way.

Who were your biggest supporters? In what ways did you receive support?

I was amazed at how much support I had. My first words when telling my employer about my cancer were, “I feel so alone.” I was quickly told I was not alone. They were so good to me and allowed me the time I needed for treatment and recovery. My family lives out of town, and they took turns coming toLubbockto help me out. I know it was hard for them since they have families of their own to take care of and jobs that were difficult to get away from. Friends in town were also a huge support when family could not be here – coming over to just hang out and watch movies or visit helped pass time and give comfort when not feeling so great. My son was a junior in high school at the time and I must say he was my biggest supporter. He was a supporter that didn’t treat me differently. We went on with our day-to-day routine and he kept my spirits up by making me laugh. Laughter IS the best medicine. He was my protector when I was worried what people would think of me when lost my hair. My survivor sisters were also a huge help. I was amazed at the numerous calls and visits I received from other survivors. Having them there to listen to me and guide me through the difficult times was just amazing. Last but not least, the medical team that treated and cared for me. No question was a dumb question – they always listened to me!

Was there a moment during your treatment or recovery that surprised you or made you smile?

Friends that I had not been in touch with came out to support me. They came to appointments and treatments with me and I didn’t even have to ask – they just said “I will be there.”

What is your favorite pair of shoes? How to they relate to your cancer survival story?

Slippers! I always had to keep my feet covered because I was either cold or didn’t want to get any germs. I got several gifts of slippers and feet coverings during treatments.

What is the next step on your journey? Where do you go from here?

My next steps are to just live my life. I want to live my life and not worry. For many months post-treatment, I was more petrified of cancer than during my journey. I have since then learned to lessen the fears and move forward. I hope I can help others work through their fears and help when they just need a friend to talk to or a hug. I want to be there for others, as there were so many people for me.

What lesson or message would you like others to take from your experience?

During your journey with cancer, what activities or hobbies inspired you or gave you comfort?

I wrote a journal throughCaringBridge. This was my comfort – writing. It was a way to not only share my medical information updates with everyone, but a way for me to write my own thoughts and feelings. I later put my writings and pictures into a book (well, I am the only owner of this but maybe one day can get published!).

How has breast cancer changed you or your outlook on life?

My husband and stepson both passed away in early 2006. This changed my life. My son was 11 years old at the time. We had only lived inLubbockfor about a year, had just purchased a new home, and I had no family nearby. I believe that these losses changed my life so when breast cancer came along, it was, ok, now I have yet another challenge in my life. I felt that I was continuing to be tested on how strong of a person I am, but I knew I would beat this and so did my son. I have learned that you don’t sweat the small stuff. We get so busy in our lives and I do my best to try and tell everyone how much I love them. We joke about how technology has taken away the personal touch, but I am thankful for that technology so if I cannot “talk” to someone every day, I can still find a way to say I am thinking of them.